Panchakarma: The Ayurvedic Detox Method
Some of the contributing factors to various diseases (specially chronic diseases) are different toxins accumulated in the human body. Some common sources of these toxins are air or water polluted with chemical gases, fumes, exhausts etc.. Foods are also frequently contaminated with microorganisms, pesticides, insecticides, chemical preservatives, additives, coloring agents and much more.
Ayurveda also considers other factors such as mental/emotional stress, foods cooked incompletely, weak digestion, inadequate elimination as contributing to ama - the toxic buildup in the body. Panchakarma is also used to naturally improve the immunity towards a disease.
Panchakarma literally means five cleansing therapies. These therapies bring gentle detoxification by natural means.
These five therapies are:
Snehan:
Herbal medicated oil is used for massage externally and administered internally. Snehan is extensively used for treating various imbalances of all doshas which may include: diabetes, weight management, arthritis, chronic pains, digestive issues, anorexia, mental health issues etc..
Sweden:
Swedan is very beneficial for vata and kapha related imbalances. Caution is taken in case of pitta imbalances. Sweden is therapeutically induced by mild sweating through exercise, warming teas, herbal steam baths, sweat inducing herbal therapies.
Virechana:
Virechan is done to lubricate the intestines and colon with mild laxative and herbal formulation.
Basti:
Basti is colon hygiene with mild enemas. specific herbal formulations are used for these enema bastis. Basti is an important panchakarma treatment for vata related imbalances.
Nasya:
Nasya therapy is done for cleansing the upper respiratory system and nourishing the sense organs by administering nasal drops through nasal passages. Nasya is an important panchakarma therapy in kapha related imbalances.
Panchakarma is used not only to prevent the accumulation of Dosha imbalances and healing but also as a seasonal health maintenance and a longevity/rejuvenation program. Therapies are customized in various ways, depending upon the person, disease, season etc.
Who should not be doing Panchakarma: elderly or weak persons, young children, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers should not go for Panchakarma.
Benefits of Panchakarma:
improves immunity, helps in de-stressing and rejuvenation, relief from body -mind toxins and free radicals, helps with most digestive issues, improves the health of sense organs, supports hormonal system, support for skin related issues, helps with addressing chronic health conditions, respiratory conditions, weight management etc.
It is important to understand that there is a set of diet and lifestyle rules to follow when you are going through Panchakarma therapies and also to be followed for a period of 3 -7 days after finishing the Panchakarma therapies to enjoy the maximum benefits of Panchakarma.
Always consult an Ayurvedic practitioner before undergoing Panchakarma.
Panchakarma therapies are provided under the supervision of expert Ayurvedic practitioners and Panchakarma Specialists at New York Ayurveda & Panchakarma Center located at 1 W 34 St, suite 902, New York, NY 10001.
Book a Panchakarma Consultation
Contact the Center via email: ayurveda@nyayurveda.com or Ph: (212) 616 4127